Mark Bitz

The agenda for the Regular Meeting includes several key areas for discussion and potential action. The City Manager's Report covers monthly financial reports for various funds (including Enterprise, Governmental, and Property Tax), as well as departmental reports from the Fire, Police, Municipal Court, and Public Works Departments, alongside the Golf Course and Community Standards reports. The Consent Agenda includes consideration for approving the minutes from previous meetings held in December 2025 and January 2026, and authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA). The Regular Agenda involves discussion and consideration of multiple ordinances amending the budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2026, covering the General Fund, Capital Improvement Fund, and Crime Control Prevention District Fund. Further regular agenda items involve consideration of resolutions related to a replat application by the Ambrose Group for property at 8220 Jones Road, approving a final plat for the Northwest Village Shopping Center, approving a design concept for the Municipal Swimming Pool Project, and ratifying the phasing approach for the City Campus Project. Additionally, the Council will discuss formalizing the process for Resident Expert and Third-Party Advisor involvement in City Projects.

The agenda for the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee meeting includes consideration of several upcoming programming items such as the Holiday in the Village Wrap-up, Bingo Nights, Casino Nights, the Daddy Daughter Dance, and Concert at the Park. The agenda also features a report from the Parks and Recreation Director, which detailed updates on TRAPS involvement, leadership recognition, and event performance debriefs, including lower attendance for the Dueling Pianos event. Operational reports covered Parks Operations such as grounds maintenance, landscape improvements, and seasonal winterization efforts, as well as facility maintenance addressing plumbing, electrical, and HVAC system repairs across various city buildings.

Key discussions focused on the wrap-up of the "Holiday in the Village" event, noting successes in the market and parade segments but identifying areas for improvement in vendor communication, Santa interaction, and snow area safety/crowding. Planning for upcoming Bingo Nights indicated strong registration numbers for both adult and family events. Progress for Casino Night planning is advanced, with most prizes secured, and registration underway capped by table capacity. The Daddy Daughter Dance planning is on track, with early registration showing positive interest and sponsorship secured. Concert at the Park planning is nearing finalization, pending site layout confirmation, and will feature a Taylor Swift tribute act. A report was given regarding the resignation of the event coordinator, with the hiring process for the replacement already initiated.

The agenda for the upcoming meeting includes a review of the January 8, 2026, minutes (which are provided separately), and citizen comments. Items for individual consideration include the Daddy Daughter Dance, Bingo Night, Casino Night, Concert at the Park, and a potential meeting date change. The Director's Report covers staffing updates, including the departure of the event coordinator and ongoing hiring efforts. The Director's Report also details January operational achievements, such as executing high-attendance programs, generating $7,710 in revenue, completing 110 out of 111 park work orders, and ongoing facility maintenance, including irrigation improvements at Carol Fox Park and various plumbing and electrical repairs.

The special work session focused primarily on the Jersey Village City Complex next steps discussion. Citizen comments highlighted concerns regarding the $350,000 spent on facility design, which one resident perceived as resembling a church blueprint, noting features like numerous meeting rooms, extensive seating, and a kitchen. Concerns were also raised about the inclusion of a lactation station and laundry facilities. Another citizen opposed promoting another bond in May, advocating for using existing funds instead. Support was voiced for the purchase of the Baptist church property as a central location for the new complex, though some felt the budgeted $20 million for renovation was excessive, proposing a less costly alternative plan. A Scout Master strongly advocated for retaining the existing campus building due to its significant use by community groups like the Boy Scouts. Council members discussed proposals for utilizing existing structures (Building A for city offices and Building G for Public Works) with remodeling to avoid the substantial cost of the current schematic design, which one member equated to demolishing and rebuilding a high-value home.